Trim System With Seam Covering

ABSTRACT

A seam cover member and related building trim system. The seam cover includes an intermediate web with two opposite flanges extending in opposite lateral directions from an edge of the web, forming a general T-shaped cross-section. The seam cover is configured to be installed with the web between two adjacent pieces of building trim with the respective flanges concealing an edge of one of the trim pieces. The seam cover is fixed to one, but not both pieces of building trim.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to building construction and in particular to trim typically used in framing doors, windows, and other edges for aesthetic purposes.

Building trim is typically installed on an edge or corner of a building structure, such as around windows for example, to protect against water damage to the underlying building structure and provide an aesthetically pleasing face or surface. Trim usually comes in pieces of predetermined lengths made from a polymeric material, such as PVC, and can additionally be cut to an appropriate length for a given installation.

In the field installation, trim is typically installed in an edge-to-edge arrangement, with a leading edge of a second trailing trim piece abutting tightly with a trailing edge of a first (leading) trim piece. Additional pieces of trim are installed in the same edge-to-edge abutment as may be needed for a given building structure.

An ongoing problem exists due to thermal expansion and contraction of the polymeric material. When two pieces of trim are installed in a tight edge-to-edge abutment and the temperature gets colder, the polymeric materials contract to the point that a noticeable gap or crack appears at the seam between the respective abutting edges. This phenomenon not only causes an unseemly appearance, but the crack can expose underlying building materials to damaging moisture.

SUMMARY

It would be useful to have a building member and trim system that protects against unseemly and/or damaging seam cracks often caused by thermal contraction.

In one embodiment, a seam cover member comprises a substantially flat web extending between a front edge and a rear edge and having opposite sides. A pair of opposing substantially flat flanges extend in opposite left and right directions from one another from the front edge perpendicular to the web. The cover member is configured to be attached at a trailing edge of a first building member with a first of the pair of flanges overlaying the trailing edge, and the second of the pair of flanges extending outward to define a rear slot.

In another embodiment, a building trim system includes first and second pieces of building trim and a cover member. Each piece of building trim has a leading edge and a trailing edge and a front side and is configured to be installed adjacent one another with the leading edge of the second piece proximate the trailing edge of the first piece. The cover member has a web extending from a front edge to a rear edge and has opposite sides. The cover member also includes opposing front flanges extending from the front edge of the web. The cover member is positioned with the web extending between the trailing edge of the first piece of building trim and the leading edge of the second piece of building trim with a first of the front flanges over the trailing edge of the first piece of building trim and a second of the front flanges over the leading edge of the second piece.

In yet another embodiment, a building trim system includes a first piece of building trim, a second piece of building trim and a cover member. The first piece of building trim has a flat front side with a height and extending laterally from a leading edge to a trailing edge, and is configured for attachment on a building structure with the flat front side facing outward. The second piece of building trim has a flat front side with a height and extending laterally from a leading edge to a trailing edge, and is configured for attachment on a building structure with the flat front side facing outward and its leading edge proximate the trailing edge of the first piece of building trim. The cover member has a substantially T-shaped cross section comprising a web extending from a front edge to a rear edge and having opposite sides, a first flange extending laterally from the front edge in a first lateral direction and a second flange extending from the front edge in a second lateral direction opposite from the first lateral direction. The first and second flanges combine to form a substantially flat front cover face with a height. The cover member is positioned with the web extending between the trailing edge of the first piece of building trim and the leading edge of the second piece of building trim with the trailing edge of the first piece concealed behind the first flange and the leading edge of the second piece concealed behind the second front flange. The cover member is rigidly attached to either the first piece of building trim or the second piece of building trim, but not both pieces of building trim.

The seam cover elements in all embodiments are typically formed of the same material as the trim pieces (PVC or other polymeric material) in the same color, which creates a uniform aesthetic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements throughout:

FIG. 1 shows a general representation of a first embodiment of the disclosed seam cover member prior to installation within a trim system;

FIG. 2 is a side depiction of a first step of installing the seam cover member of FIG. 1 by attaching to an installed piece of trim;

FIG. 3 shows a second step after FIG. 2 of installing an adjacent piece of trim in a colder temperature environment;

FIG. 4 shows an alternative second step after FIG. 2 of installing an adjacent piece of trim in a warmer temperature environment;

FIG. 5 is a view of the trim system of FIGS. 2-4 showing the outer face as viewed on a building structure;

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the disclosed seam cover member for use in a corner seam and first and second trim pieces before installation; and

FIG. 7 shows a system that includes the cover member and trim pieces from FIG. 6 installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Among the benefits and improvements disclosed herein, other objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the following wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several figures. Detailed embodiments of a seam covering and a trim system with seam covering are disclosed; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention which are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in some embodiments” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), though it may. The phrases “in another embodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.

Further, the terms “substantial,” “substantially,” “similar,” “similarly,” “analogous,” “analogously,” “approximate,” “approximately,” and any combination thereof mean that differences between compared features or characteristics is less than 25% of the respective values/magnitudes in which the compared features or characteristics are measured and/or defined.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a first embodiment of a seam cover member 10 for use with trim and associated trim system is shown. As depicted the cover member 10 includes a web 12 that is substantially flat and extends from a rear edge 40 to a front edge 41. The web 12 may include a plurality of holes 42 to accommodate nails 36 or similar fasteners during the installation process, as will be discussed further below. The front edge carries opposing flanges 14 and 16 that extend substantially perpendicular to the web 12 and collectively form a flat front surface 22 with opposite first and second lateral edges, 22 a and 22 b. Each of the flanges, 14 and 16, defines a substantially flat rear surface, 18 and 20, respectively, on opposite lateral sides of the front edge of the web 12. In this preferred embodiment, the lateral positioning of the web 12 is offset between the first edge 22 a and second edge 22 b. Summarized differently, the first flange 14 is shorter than the second flange 16.

With primary reference to the side edge views of an installation shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the seam cover member 10 is configured for the web 12 to be positioned between adjacent edges, 24 and 26, of adjacent trim pieces T₁ and T₂. In the trim installation, the respective flanges, 14 and 16, extend over the respective trim piece edges, 24 and 26, overlapping with a portion of the front surfaces of each trim piece. Each edge is tucked behind a flange with the web between them. Embodiments of an installation method will be described in detail below.

With reference to FIG. 2, in one preferred installation method, a seam cover member 10 can first be attached to the trailing edge 24 of a first trim piece T₁ with the first flange 14 extending over the front surface of the trim piece T₁ and trailing edge 24 abutting the web 12. Attachment can be accomplished by appropriate known techniques, such as welding, adhesive, fasteners or a combination thereof. Notably, at least with adhesive attachment technique, the seam cover member 10 can be fixed to the trim piece T1 by adhesive attachment between the rear surface of the first flange 14 and front surface of trim piece, and adhesive attachment between the lateral surface of the web and the trim piece trailing edge 24 or both. Nails 36 driven through holes 42 into the trim piece T1 may optionally be used instead of or in addition to other attachment techniques. Preferably, the seam cover member 10 is attached to the first trim piece T1 in one of the manners described above, followed by attachment of the combination cover/trim piece to the building structure. However, the cover member 10 may also be attached to a trim piece T1 while the trim piece is already installed on the building structure. As shown in FIG. 2, when the trim piece T₁ is installed on the building structure B, the second flange 16 is spaced from the outer surface of the building structure, thereby defining a longitudinal slot 32 in the space between the building structure and rear surface 20 of the second flange 16. A second trim piece T₂ is thereafter installed by inserting or sliding its leading edge 26 into the slot 32 behind the second flange 16, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

During warmer weather, an installer may install the second trim piece T₂ with the edge 26 flush in abutment with the web 12 or very close to accommodate for future thermal contraction in lower temperatures. This installation condition is shown in FIG. 4. On the other hand, in colder weather, an installer may install the second trim piece T₂ with a clearance gap 34 between the leading edge 26 and the web 12 to accommodate future thermal expansion in higher temperatures. This installation condition is shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, if there is an additional trim piece following the second trim piece T₂, the second trim piece T₂ will carry an attached seam cover 10 on its trailing edge opposite from the leading edge 26 (not depicted). However, as mentioned above, a seam cover 10 can also be installed on the trailing edge after the trim piece is installed. Successive trim pieces and seam covers 10 can be installed in the same manner.

It is notable that the installation condition depicted in FIG. 3 (with gap 34 between leading edge 26 of trailing trim piece T2) reflects both (1) an installation performed in colder weather, and (2) an installation originally performed in warmer weather followed by subsequent decrease in temperature, thereby resulting in building material contraction. Likewise, the installation condition depicted in FIG. 4 (with leading edge 26 of trailing trim piece T2 substantially flush) reflects both (1) an installation performed in warmer weather, and (2) an installation originally performed in colder weather followed by subsequent increase in temperature, thereby resulting in building material expansion.

Understandably, the seam cover member 10 can be fixed on the leading edge 26 of a second trim piece T₂ (via one or more of the above described processes of welding, adhesive, fastener, etc.) instead of on the trailing edge 24 of the first trim piece T₁. In this alternative relative installation configuration, the first trim member T₁ is installed as customary, and then the second trim piece T₂ is installed with one of the first or second flanges 14 or 16 over the front of the trailing edge 24 of the first trim piece T₁. In either embodiment of the installation method, each of the respective edges 24 and 26 is tucked behind a flange 14 and 16 with only one of the two adjacent edges of trim fixed to the cover 10.

FIGS. 6-7 depict a corner seam cover member 100 with first and second flanges, 114 and 116, with opposite 90° longitudinal edges, 128 and 130. The embodiment of the seam cover 100 is positioned with the web 112 at the corner of the assembly extending at approximately the 45° position between trim pieces, T₃ and T₄, that are installed perpendicular to one another. These particular angles are obviously appropriate for the corner of rectangular structure; however, they are non-limiting to the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Other than the angles of the outer edges, 128 and 130, and inner edges, the overall structures and features of the corner cover member 100 are substantially similar to those of the embodiment of the cover member 10. For example, each of the flanges, 114 and 116, defines a bottom surface, 118 and 120, respectively. The bottom surfaces face the faces of the respective trim pieces, T3 and T4, when installed, with only one of the adjacent trim pieces fixed to the cover member 100. Additional embodiments of corner seam cover members like that of reference numeral 100 exist with different angular configurations to be installed in corners of building trim structures of different types. FIG. 7 depicts a corner installation utilizing the seam cover member 100 with a gap 134 (i.e., colder weather condition with contraction of building materials.

As noted above, the exact order of attachment of the cover member, 10 or 100, described above is non-limiting. Preferred materials for the cover member are polymers, and more preferably PVC that matches the color and material makeup of the respective trim pieces that the cover member is intended to be used with. Additionally, embodiments exist with front flanges of the same size, i.e., the web is centrally located between the first edge 22 a/122 a and second edge 22 b/122 b.

In a preferred embodiment of the cover member 10, the web 12 is within a range of approximately 0.5 to 1.25 inches, and more preferably within a range of approximately 0.75 to 1.0 inches, and even more preferably approximately 0.875 inches long (Lw; measured from the bottom surfaces 18 and 20). Preferably, the first (short) flange 14 is within an approximate range of 0.125 to 0.75 inches, and more preferably within an approximate range of 0.2 to 0.5 inches, and even more preferably approximately 0.25 inches long (L_(F1); measured from the left side surface of web 12 in FIG. 2). Preferably, the second (long) flange 16 is within an approximate range of 0.25 to 1.25 inches, and more preferably within an approximate range of 0.5 to 1.0 inches, and even more preferably approximately 0.75 inches long (L_(F2); measured from the right side surface of web 12 in FIG. 2). Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, each of the web 12 and the flanges, 14 and 16, is approximately 0.125 inches thick.

While a preferred embodiment has been set forth for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed a limitation of the invention herein. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the claimed coverage. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cover member for a building structure, comprising: a substantially flat web extending between a front edge and a rear edge and having opposite sides; and a pair of opposing substantially flat flanges extending in opposite left and right directions from one another from the front edge perpendicular to the web, wherein the cover member is configured to be attached at a trailing edge of a first building member with a first of the pair of flanges overlaying the trailing edge, and the second of the pair of flanges extending outward to define a rear slot.
 2. The cover member of claim 1, wherein the second flange is longer than the first flange.
 3. The cover member of claim 1, wherein the web comprises a plurality of holes, each hole configured to optionally receive a fastener for attaching the cover member to the first building member.
 4. A building trim system, comprising: first and second pieces of building trim, each piece of trim having a leading edge and a trailing edge, a front side and being configured to be installed adjacent one another with the leading edge of the second piece proximate the trailing edge of the first piece; and a cover member having a web extending from a front edge to a rear edge and having opposite sides, the cover member further including opposing front flanges extending from the front edge of the web, wherein the cover member is positioned with the web extending between the trailing edge of the first piece of building trim and the leading edge of the second piece of building trim with a first of the front flanges over the trailing edge of the first piece of building trim and a second of the front flanges over the leading edge of the second piece.
 5. The building trim system of claim 4, wherein the cover member is rigidly attached to the first piece of building trim.
 6. The building trim system of claim 5, wherein the first flange is shorter than the second flange.
 7. The building trim system of claim 5, wherein the cover member is attached to the first piece of building trim via one or more of heat welding, adhesive and fasteners.
 8. The building trim system of claim 4, wherein the cover member is rigidly attached to either the first piece of building trim or the second piece of building trim, but not both pieces of building trim.
 9. The building trim system of claim 4, wherein the first front flange and second front flange are different sizes.
 10. The building trim system of claim 9, wherein the first front flange is shorter than the second front flange.
 11. The building trim system of claim 4, wherein the first and second front flanges combine to define a front side of the cover member, and the front face side of the first piece of building trim, the front side of the second piece of building trim and the front side of the cover member each has a height that is substantially coextensive with one another.
 12. The building trim system of claim 4, wherein the first and second pieces of building trim combine to form a peripheral edge with a non-linear angle and the cover member includes a corner edge that substantially matches the non-linear angle of the peripheral edge.
 13. The building trim system of claim 12, wherein the non-linear angle is approximately 90°.
 14. The building trim system of claim 4, wherein the first of the flanges has a first length L1 and the second of the flanges has a second length L2 that is greater than the first length L1, and wherein a ratio of L2:L1 is within an approximate range of 10:1 to 2:1.
 15. A building trim system, comprising: a first piece of building trim having a flat front side with a height and extending laterally from a leading edge to a trailing edge, the first piece of building trim being configured for attachment on a building structure with the flat front side facing outward; a second piece of building trim having a flat front side with a height and extending laterally from a leading edge to a trailing edge, the second piece of building trim being configured for attachment on a building structure with the flat front side facing outward and its leading edge proximate the trailing edge of the first piece of building trim; a cover member with a substantially T-shaped cross section comprising a web extending from a front edge to a rear edge and having opposite sides, a first flange extending laterally from the front edge in a first lateral direction and a second flange extending from the front edge in a second lateral direction opposite from the first lateral direction, the first and second flanges combining to form a substantially flat front cover face with a height, wherein the cover member is positioned with the web extending between the trailing edge of the first piece of building trim and the leading edge of the second piece of building trim with the trailing edge of the first piece concealed behind the first flange and the leading edge of the second piece concealed behind the second front flange, and the cover member is rigidly attached to either the first piece of building trim or the second piece of building trim, but not both pieces of building trim.
 16. The building trim system of claim 15, wherein the front side height of the first piece of building trim, the front side height of the second piece of building trim and the height of the front cover face are coextensive with one another.
 17. The building trim system of claim 15, wherein the cover member is attached to the first piece of trim with the trailing edge of the first piece of trim in abutment with one side of the web.
 18. The building trim system of claim 15, wherein the building trim system is installed via a process, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first piece of building trim having a trailing edge; (b) fixing the cover member with a web and opposing flanges to the first piece of building trim with one flange over the front surface of the first piece at the trailing edge; (c) fixing the first piece of building trim with fixed cover member to a building structure, wherein spacing between the second flange and building structure defines a slot; and (d) installing the second piece of building trim having a leading edge with the leading edge positioned within the slot with the second flange over its front surface at the leading edge, wherein the web is positioned between the trailing edge of the first piece and the leading edge of the second piece, and the cover member is not fixed to the second piece of building trim.
 19. The building trim system of claim 15, wherein the building trim system is installed via a process, comprising the steps of: (a) fixing the first piece of building trim having a trailing edge to a building structure; (b) providing a second piece of building trim having a leading edge; (b) fixing a cover member with a web and opposing flanges to the second piece of building trim with the first flange over the front surface of the second piece at its leading edge; and (c) installing the second piece of building trim and attached cover member with the second flange over the front surface of the first piece at the trailing edge, wherein the web is positioned between the trailing edge of the first piece and the leading edge of the second piece, and the first piece of building trim is not fixed to the cover member.
 20. The building trim system of claim 19, wherein the first flange has a first length L1 and the second flange has a second length L2 that is greater than the first length L1, and wherein a ratio L2:L1 is within an approximate range of 10:1 to 2:1. 